Page 103 of For the Promise

“Have you been to theGlowin’ Galleonbefore?” I ask as I start driving out of Smuggler’s Rest toward the paintball arena.

“I wish. Dakota refuses to go with me. Apparently, I’m too ‘competitive’.”

I grin at her use of air quotes. “Maybe because you threatened to sell your horse to the glue factory if he didn’t hurry up when you were atSirens & Saddles.”

She gasps and clutches her chest. “You lie!” I raise an eyebrow at her and she huffs. “I said, ‘don’t make me threaten you’. It’s not the same as actually threatening.”

“Sure, it’s not.”

“Who will be there today?” she asks and I cringe. “What’s wrong? Why are you cringing? Is your ex-girlfriend coming? Annoying, but I can hardly complain since you accompanied me to the wedding of my ex.”

I reach across the console and squeeze her thigh. “No ex is coming, but you should probably know this is a family day.”

She rolls her eyes. “Because you’re losing the prank war. I get it.”

“We’re going toGlowin’ Galleonbecause I’m losing the prank war, but me losing is not the reason we’re getting together today.”

“Spit it out. What’s going on? Are Eli and Paisley getting married? I am so jealous. I want to get married on a pirate ship.”

“I thought you wanted to get married on the beach.”

“I didn’t realize a pirate ship was an option.”

“A pirate ship with people running around shooting each other with paint is your idea of an ideal wedding location?”

Her nose wrinkles. “I didn’t consider the paintball. It would ruin a wedding dress.”

“And running around chasing people with a paintball gun without shoes on would be rough.”

“I guess this means Eli and Paisley aren’t getting married.”

“No. It’s my birthday.”

“What?” Blossom screeches. “It’s your birthday and you didn’t tell me? We’re dating, Jaxon. This is information you share with the woman you’re dating.” She slaps my shoulder. “I can’t believe you. I haven’t had the chance to buy you a present. I’m showing up at your birthday party without a gift.”

I capture her hand and squeeze. “You don’t need to give me a present. Your presence is all I need.”

It’s true. Blossom is all I need. She’s the woman I’m falling for. The woman I want to spend all my time with. I’ve never been distracted at work before – I have excellent skills of concentration – but I find myself staring into space, wondering what she’s doing at random times during the day.

She lifts our hands to kiss my knuckles. “Good save, nerd boy. Good save.”

I pull into theGlowin’ Galleon, and Blossom leans forward to gawk at the full-scale neon pirate ship replica with LED rigging and neon painted sails. The place is loud and obnoxious and completely over the top.

“This is awesome,” she mutters.

“You don’t find it too much?”

“It’s…” She stops gawking to meet my gaze. “Is it too much for you? Too many people?” A spark lights her brown eyes. “Let’s sneak out. Everyone will wonder where we’ve gone.”

I point to the group gathered at the entrance. “Except my family is already here.” Mom waves. “And they’ve spotted us.”

“And?” She shrugs. “We can stilldo a runner.”

“I thought you wanted to be here?”

“Nerd boy, I want to be with you. Whether I’m kicking ass at paintball or putting together an elaborate prank, I just want to be with you.”

My stomach dips at her words. She’s serious. This gorgeous, outgoing creature wants to be with me.

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